Package aimed at conservation

ENVIRONMENT Conservation and Climate Change Minister Simo Kilepa says the French government’s country package is aimed at forest and biodiversity conservation in Papua New Guinea.
He said this during a high-level discussion with international and local partners about the importance of the PNG country package worth US$100 million (about K377 million) that was announced at the Cop28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, last year.
“PNG is one of the many countries that has been privileged to be recognised by the French government in its critical role in supporting rainforests around the world,” he said.
“As a country with net-zero emissions, we are committed to continue our efforts to preserve our rainforests as we look forward to the work ahead with the French government and partners on this country package.
“We look forward to working with you all and establish a multi-year programme that will help us protect, preserve and effectively our vast reserve of territorial and marine biodiversity, including ecosystems to secure food and environmental security.
“I am optimistic about the path ahead and the Government is committed to the implementation of this country package.”
French ambassador Guillaume Lemoine said the country package was designed to provide a long-term sustainable programme for PNG’s forests and biodiversity.
“The announcement of the country package was the result of an international coalition launched at Cop27 in Glasgow, Scotland in 2022.
“The coalition brought together eight major forest countries around the world, including PNG, to support the mobilisation process on a holistic approach to long-term sustainable and nationally designed conservation programmes.
“The European Union and France have extended their support to co-lead the process with the Government to identify partners and raise funding and will support the design of a tailored coordination mechanism to allow for donors, implementing partners, non-government organisations and government agencies to
collectively work in the same direction,” Lemoine said.